Interview with JJ Heller.  Part Uno.

Hey y’all.  This is Annie from AnnieBlogs.  I am a huge fan of Bloggable Music Network…. and I don’t have a real job.  Did you know that part already?  Yeah, I’m a freelance writer, so I get to spend a lot of time online.  A LOT.

So Kat has decided to throw a lasso around my time-wasting ways and put my skillz to use for you!  The BMN bloggers!

As a relatively new resident to Nashville, I am enjoying getting to know the area and I’m pretty sure that musical talent is required in these city limits.  [I hope that’s not on the Census reports, cause I will be asked to leave.]  I mean, seriously.  JJ Heller and Joy Williams BOTH live here.  I am in good company.

JJ Heller is one super cute pregnant girl. Before she becomes a mama, I wanted to ask her a few questions that I thought might interest you- you have heard her music (it was free for you, remember?) but now we get to hear her thoughts on her album that she gave away, the internet, and being a mom for the first time.

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AB: What made you decide to give away your entire CD?

JJ: Dave (my husband) and I thought it would be a really great way to get the word out about our music. Since the beginning of our career, we’ve always wanted our music to be affordable for anyone who wanted it. You can’t get much cheaper than free! It was also a great way to allow our fans to hear the music before we had physical copies of the CD.

AB: Tell us a little about this particular album.

JJ: Expecting a baby had a lot to do with the overall theme of hope in the midst of change and challenge. This album is a lot less pop than our previous release (The Pretty & The Plain), but it’s also more intimate. I tend to focus on all the bad things that could possibly happen in the future, so a lot of the songs are reminders for me that the future is not mine to know. It’s out of my control, but that’s not a bad thing. God can be trusted.

AB: How has the internet changed the music industry for you?

JJ: Oh it’s wonderful! Without a doubt, the internet has enabled us to make a living doing what we do. Myspace has been an especially great networking tool. When we play at a new venue there are more and more people who tell us they found out about our music through myspace. We are also so thankful that we’re able to have a website to post tour dates and sell hard copies of our music… not to mention the wonders of itunes ☺.

AB: How do you and Dave stay sane, working so closely together (or married bloggers want to know!!)?  ☺

JJ: I’m not sure. There’s really no other person who I can be around 24/7 and not go crazy. We DO have our moments, but mostly we work really well together. Dave is very linear and organized which gives me the freedom to create new music without having to worry about the business side of things. I basically have every singer-songwriter’s dream life and I am SO thankful.

AB: Your daughter is due this month.  Congrats!  What part of being a parent are you most excited about?

JJ: I am still hung up on the fact that there’s going to be a little person in the world who looks a little like me and a little like Dave. I’m so curious to see what her personality will be like. I think I’m most excited to share my life experiences with her… to travel around and show her different parts of he country and introduce her to the people and places I love.

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Head back here tomorrow for the rest of the interview- JJ tells us all about being crafty, being a musician, and being a Nashvillian. Which is particularly helpful to me since she tells us about a lunch place that I have GOT to try!

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